Magnum

If you want to escape the city of a night, yet still be only 1 hrs drive dont overlook Bucketty.
The night skies are star filled, you can literally hear a pin drop at night your kids ( if primary age) can attend the local school at Kulnura ( rates very highly on myschool website.
You have incredible peace and quite ( if you want) or join in some of the local community activities.
It is also in the gateway to the Hunter Valley, so if you are into any of the many artists the Winearies are bringing out, then you are perfectly located. ( chris Issaac played at Wyndam Estate last week). It is Within 1 hrs drive.
Hopefully not too many will discover Bucketty, as it is utopia.